I recently started taking long rides. I moved recently and we have the ability to just get on our bikes and headd for great rides. I’ve found that Chesterfield, Westhampton, Northampton, and even Deerfield aren’t as far as I once thought. I’ve taken to riding somewhere in the range of thirty to fifty miles. It’s a few hours of bliss, but I’ve noticed some things in my travels other than the scenery.
Back pain could be caused by poor cycling posture. Good posture on a bicycle is separate from good posture while sitting or standing. Correct cycling posture must enable the pedaling action, while the rider is allowed to cope with the jolts that result from bumps and potholes.
When riding, the back should be arched slightly, not slouching forward between the hips and the shoulders. If the back is properly arched, bumps will cause it to flex slightly in the direction the curve created. If you ride swayback, bumps will force the back to bow farther in the forward direction, which can lead to severe lumbar pain. A straight spine has no way to “give” when the bike hits bumps. Road irregularities will jam the vertebrae together, often aggravating existing back pain.
As with all activity, taking time to be mindful of your body will help a great deal. Take a ride and take time to feel just what’s going on, tune your attention to the vertabrae and muscles in the back. It’s easy to notice the hamstrings or quadriceps, but the more delicate muscles of the back are very important to pay attention to.
I’ll be posting some routes and perhaps even a picture or two in the future. Ride Safe.
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Tags: bicycle, cycling, good posture, low back pain
